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Bitty Bow Ties is a small quilt project from AllPeopleQuilt that turns miniature bow-tie blocks into a dapper table topper. The pattern, credited to Susan Kirschenheiter and published August 7, 2017, makes 48 blocks, each finishing at 1 1/2 inches square. The completed topper measures 15 1/2 by 18 1/2 inches.
What the Bitty Bow Ties pattern makes
The design uses tiny versions of a classic bow-tie quilt block. Its compact scale suits a dining table, side table, dresser or other small display surface, while the repeated blocks create a strong geometric pattern.
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- Blocks: 48 miniature bow-tie blocks
- Finished block size: 1 1/2 inches square
- Finished topper size: 15 1/2 by 18 1/2 inches
- Construction: pieced blocks, an eight-row quilt center, inner and outer borders, quilting and binding
Fabric and batting requirements
AllPeopleQuilt specifies 44/45-inch-wide, 100% cotton fabrics. Because the pieces are very small, quilting cotton is a practical choice: it presses crisply and remains stable during repeated cutting and stitching.
| Material | Amount and use |
|---|---|
| Assorted medium-to-dark prints | 48 3-inch squares; these provide the bow-tie colors and are later cut into smaller units |
| Cream shirting | One 18 by 22-inch piece for the light background and corner units |
| Brown print | 1/4 yard for the outer border and binding |
| Backing | 5/8 yard |
| Batting | 22 by 25 inches |
Choosing prints
Use prints with enough contrast against the cream shirting that the bow-tie shapes remain legible at a 1 1/2-inch finished size. Medium-to-dark values are specified for the assorted prints; very large motifs may lose their character when cut into the small squares. If buying fat quarters or other pre-cut quilting cotton, confirm that the pieces can be cut accurately and that the purchase format covers the specified quantities, backing and binding separately.
#1 Best Overall
- Pattern Name: Tessellating Trees
- Category: Table Runner, Table Topper
- Uses Quilt-as-You-Go Technique
- Great Christmas Project
- Important Note: THIS LISTING IS FOR A PATTERN, NOT A FINISHED ITEM
A Spoonflower fabric listing titled “Bitty Bow Ties” describes its Petal Signature Cotton as 100% cotton, 42 inches wide, 4.4 oz/yd², plain weave and quilting-weight fabric. That type of fabric is described as suitable for quilting and other craft uses, but its 42-inch printed width differs from the 44/45-inch width specified for the project, so check available yardage before substituting it.
Tools for accurate miniature piecing
The pattern calls for numerous measured cuts, including 1 1/4-inch and 3/4-inch squares. A sharp rotary blade, an accurately marked quilting ruler and a mat that supports the ruler without slipping will make the work more controllable. A smaller ruler can improve visibility around tiny pieces; choose tools that let you cut without your hand obscuring the marks.
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- Crafted from 100% cotton fabric with surgical cotton batting and fine hand quilting
- 19" x 19" square block quilt with two sewn pockets on the back for easy hanging. Ideal as a wall hanging, table topper, chair accent, or decorative bed display.
- Crafted from coordinating plaid, printed, and solid cotton fabrics for a charming handcrafted patchwork look.
- Made using traditional patchwork techniques, with small fabric pieces precisely pieced together to create a durable and heirloom-quality design.
- Machine washable for easy care; use a mild detergent. Hanging rod not included.
- Rotary cutter with a sharp blade
- Quilting ruler with clear 1/8-inch or finer markings
- Self-healing cutting mat
- Iron and pressing surface
- Sewing machine, thread and a 1/4-inch seam guide
- Fabric-marking pencil or pen for diagonals
- Clips or pins suited to small units
- Quilting needle and thread for finishing
How to make the 48 bow-tie blocks
- Cut the components. Cut the assorted prints into the 1 1/4-inch and 3/4-inch squares specified by the pattern. Cut the cream shirting into its required strips and squares, and cut the brown print into strips for the borders and binding.
- Make the corner units. Mark a diagonal on each 3/4-inch print square. Place each marked square on a cream-shirting square, stitch as directed, trim the seam allowance to 1/4 inch and press the unit open. Accurate trimming matters because the finished block is only 1 1/2 inches wide.
- Complete each bow-tie unit. Pair the corner units with their matching print squares. Sew the pairs, then join the resulting sections to form one bow-tie block. Repeat the process until you have all 48 blocks.
- Check the layout. Before sewing rows, arrange the blocks so the print values and directions are distributed as intended. Confirm that every block is oriented consistently.
Assemble the topper
Build the quilt center
Arrange the 48 blocks in eight rows. Sew the blocks into rows, then join the rows to create the quilt center. Press seams in a consistent direction or nest adjoining seams to reduce bulk at the intersections.
Add the borders
Sew the cream inner borders to the quilt center first. Add the brown outer borders after the inner borders are attached, measuring the quilt center before cutting or joining strips so the borders fit its actual dimensions.
Rank #3
- 12.5 X 12.5 inches
- Cotton fabric, cotton low loft batting, cotton thread.
- Washable. May use a hot iron.
Quilt and bind
Layer the completed top with the 22 by 25-inch batting and 5/8-yard backing. Baste the layers, quilt by your preferred method, then finish the edges with binding made from the brown print.
Miniature-piecing checkpoints
- Keep the 1/4-inch seam allowance consistent; a small error is significant in a 1 1/2-inch finished block.
- Press each corner unit open before joining it to the next piece.
- Trim only after stitching, and preserve the required 1/4-inch allowance.
- Lay out all eight rows before sewing them together to catch rotated or reversed bow ties.
- Measure the assembled center before attaching borders rather than assuming it is perfectly square.
- Use the brown print consistently for both the outer frame and binding for a coordinated edge.
What to expect from the finished project
The result is a compact, traditionally pieced table topper with 48 clearly defined miniature bow ties, a cream inner frame and a brown outer border. Its 15 1/2-by-18 1/2-inch footprint is large enough to anchor a small tabletop display while remaining manageable to quilt and bind.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Versatile Design: Use for more than holding a mug and a snack. Candle Mat, Soap Mat, Jewelry Mat, Collectible display mat, Dish or Casserole Mat. The possibilities are endless.
- This 9.5 x 6.5 inch mug rug snack mat features a blend of five coordinated autumn-themed cotton prints, perfect for seasonal decor.
- Cozy Flannel Backing: The charming falling leaves pattern on the flannel backing adds a warm and inviting touch to your tabletop.
- Handcrafted Quality: Meticulously handcrafted with attention to detail, ensuring a unique and high-quality product.
- Easy Care: Machine Wash and Dry, or dy flat. Steam iron touch up, if desired.
Rank #4
- This sweet little topper or tree skirt is perfect for a table or tree.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
